Bubble Super Clear Acne Treating Serum 2% Salicylic Acid Versus Mary Kay Clear Proof Acne Treatment Gel
Updated on October 09, 2023
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Bubble Super Clear Acne Treating Serum 2% Salicylic Acid 22 ingredients
Mary Kay Clear Proof Acne Treatment Gel 47 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Bubble Super Clear Acne Treating Serum 2% Salicylic Acid 22 ingredients
Mary Kay Clear Proof Acne Treatment Gel 47 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
Emollient
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Colloidal Oatmeal
Absorbent
Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract
CleansingZinc PCA
Humectant
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil
Emollient
Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Nigra Bark Extract
Skin ProtectingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCoco-Glucoside
CleansingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Salicylic Acid 2%, Water, Glycerin, Squalane, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Colloidal Oatmeal, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Zinc PCA, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil, Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract, Salix Nigra Bark Extract, Xanthan Gum, Coco-Glucoside, Tocopheryl Acetate, Potassium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Triethanolamine
BufferingCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Polysorbate 85
Emulsifying
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Butyl Avocadate
Skin Conditioning
Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingRetinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Steareth-3
EmulsifyingPEG-100 Stearate
Polyacrylate-13
Sucrose Distearate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Sucrose Stearate
EmollientPolyisobutene
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Disodium EDTA
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Methyldihydrojasmonate
MaskingC12-14 Pareth-12
EmulsifyingEpilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Ethylene Brassylate
MaskingEthyl Linalool
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Isobutyl Methyl Tetrahydropyranol
MaskingMethylenedioxyphenyl Methylpropanal
Perfuming
Methylparaben
Preservative
Cystoseira Amentacea/Caespitosa Branchycarpa Extract
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Gamma-Undecalactone
Perfuming
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Cyclamen Aldehyde
MaskingSodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Triethanolamine, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polysorbate 85, Propylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butyl Avocadate, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Retinyl Palmitate, Steareth-3, PEG-100 Stearate, Polyacrylate-13, Sucrose Distearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sucrose Stearate, Polyisobutene, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Titanium Dioxide, Methyldihydrojasmonate, C12-14 Pareth-12, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Polysorbate 20, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ethylene Brassylate, Ethyl Linalool, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Isobutyl Methyl Tetrahydropyranol, Methylenedioxyphenyl Methylpropanal, Methylparaben, Cystoseira Amentacea/Caespitosa Branchycarpa Extract, Chlorphenesin, Gamma-Undecalactone, Benzoic Acid, Cyclamen Aldehyde, Sodium Metabisulfite, CI 19140, CI 17200, CI 42090
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Bubble Super Clear Acne Treating Serum 2% Salicylic Acid 22 ingredients
Mary Kay Clear Proof Acne Treatment Gel 47 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
